Long Island University Computer Competency Exam

A keyboard is a hardware input device that allows users to enter letters and numbers into a computer. It consists of a set of keys, each representing a specific character or command. When a key is pressed, it sends a signal to the computer, which then displays the corresponding character on the screen or performs the desired command. Keyboards are essential for inputting text and numbers, making them a fundamental tool for computer users.

The key used to erase characters to the right of the cursor is called the Delete key.

The key on a keyboard that is used to move the cursor directly to a tab stop is the Tab key.

The key on a keyboard that is used to capitalize letters when pressed with that letter key is called the "Shift" key. When the Shift key is pressed simultaneously with a letter key, it allows the user to type the uppercase version of that letter.

The key on a keyboard that is used to type all capital letters is called the Caps Lock key. When this key is pressed, it locks the keyboard into uppercase mode, allowing all subsequent letters to be typed in capital letters until the key is pressed again to unlock it.

The key on a keyboard that spaces the cursor forward one space at a time and produces a blank space when pressed is called the space bar.

Software refers to programs that enable users to perform various tasks such as writing letters, analyzing numbers, sorting files, managing finances, drawing pictures, and playing games. It is a broad term that encompasses all types of computer programs and applications. Software is essential for operating computer systems and allows users to interact with hardware and perform specific functions based on their needs and preferences.

A modem is the input and output device that sends signals through the phone lines to telecommunications. It is used to convert digital signals from a computer into analog signals that can be transmitted over telephone lines, and vice versa. This allows for the transmission of data, such as internet connections, over the telecommunications network.

The key on the keyboard or function in word processing software called "Insert" is used to add text without deleting previously keyed text. This function allows the user to insert new characters or words at the current cursor position, pushing the existing text forward. It is commonly used when making edits or additions within a document without having to rewrite or delete existing content.

The keys on a computer keyboard used to move the cursor up, down, left, or right on the screen are called arrow keys.

When buying a computer, several factors should be considered. The operating system is important as it determines the software compatibility and user experience. The processor is crucial for the computer's speed and performance. The memory is essential for multitasking and running programs smoothly. Lastly, your budget plays a significant role in determining the type and specifications of the computer you can afford. Therefore, all of the above options should be considered when buying a computer.

Macintosh, also known as Mac, is a brand name that refers to a line of personal computers. These computers were designed and developed by Apple Computers.

A mouse is a hand-held input device because it is designed to be held and operated by hand. It is used to move the cursor on a computer screen and select or interact with objects or text on the screen. The other options, such as a scanner or a keyboard, are not typically held in the hand while being used. A scanner is a device used to scan physical documents or images, and a keyboard is a device used to input text or commands into a computer.

Computers running different operating systems can work over a common network because networks are designed to be compatible with multiple operating systems. Network protocols and standards, such as TCP/IP, allow computers with different operating systems to communicate and share resources. Additionally, network devices like routers and switches are designed to handle different operating systems, ensuring seamless connectivity between computers regardless of their operating system. Therefore, it is true that computers running different operating systems can work over a common network.

The correct answer is "All of the above". Freeing up disk space on a computer involves deleting the internet history, emptying the recycle bin and temporary files, and uninstalling programs that are not currently being used. By doing all of these actions, unnecessary files and programs are removed, which helps to create more available space on the computer's hard drive.

The correct answer is "All of the above" because a PC or Personal Computer can refer to any type of computer that is designed for personal use. This includes desktop computers, laptop computers, and even pocket PCs. Therefore, all the options listed are valid examples of a PC.

The Registry of a computer refers to a place on the hard disk where the computer stores information about the applications that are installed, documents that are created by these applications, and hardware on the system like the ports on the computer. It is not an external storage device or a place on the desktop where information is saved. Therefore, the correct answer is "A place on your hard disk where the computer stores information about the applications that are installed, documents that are created by this application, hardware on your system like the ports on your computer."

Speakers are the output device that produce sound on a computer. Monitors are primarily visual output devices and do not produce sound. Therefore, the correct answer is speakers.

Spyware and computer viruses can both collect personal and confidential information from a computer and slow down its performance. Spyware is specifically designed to gather information about a user's online activities without their knowledge or consent, while computer viruses can infect a system and cause various issues, including slowing down the computer and affecting its overall performance. Therefore, the correct answer is "All of the above."

Cookies are small files that store information about the URLs of a particular website. They are used by websites to remember user preferences, track user activity, and provide a personalized browsing experience. When a user visits a website, the website sends a cookie to the user's browser, which then stores the cookie on the user's computer. This allows the website to recognize the user and remember their preferences or login information the next time they visit the site. Cookies are not large temporary files or files that the computer stores after downloading.

An IP address is a set of four numbers separated by periods that uniquely identifies each internet computer. It serves as a unique identifier for devices connected to a network, allowing them to communicate with each other. IP addresses are used for routing data packets across the internet, ensuring that they reach the correct destination.

The correct answer is "Central Processing Unit". The CPU is the main component of a computer that performs most of the processing inside the computer. It is responsible for executing instructions of a computer program by performing basic arithmetic, logical, control, and input/output (I/O) operations. The CPU is often referred to as the "brain" of the computer because it carries out the instructions of a computer program and performs calculations and data processing.

LCD stands for Liquid Crystal Display. This technology is used in monitors to display images and videos. Liquid crystals are a type of material that can change their molecular structure when an electric current is applied to them. This allows them to control the amount of light passing through them, creating the images that we see on the screen. LCD monitors are known for their thin and lightweight design, making them popular for use in laptops, televisions, and other electronic devices.

All of the options mentioned (USB Flash drive, CD, Blu-Ray, DVD) are different types of media that can store information. A USB Flash drive is a portable storage device that can store various types of data. CDs (Compact Discs), Blu-Rays, and DVDs (Digital Versatile Discs) are optical discs that can store large amounts of data, such as music, videos, or computer files. Therefore, all of the options listed can be used to store information.

The key used to begin a new line in a word processor or enter information into a spreadsheet is the Return/Enter key. This key is equivalent to clicking OK in a dialog box.

The correct answer is creating a new folder for storing files. This task is typically carried out using a computer's operating system, as it is responsible for managing and organizing files and directories on the computer's storage. The operating system provides the necessary tools and interface to create and manage folders, allowing users to easily store and organize their files in a hierarchical structure.

A computer is not an effective tool if it doesn't have a method to run software and store data. Software is necessary for the computer to perform various tasks and functions, while the ability to store data is crucial for saving and accessing information. Without these capabilities, the computer would be limited in its usefulness and functionality.

ROM stands for Read Only Memory. This type of memory is non-volatile, meaning that the data stored in it is not lost when the power is turned off. ROM is used to store permanent data and instructions that cannot be altered or erased by normal computer operations. It is commonly used for firmware, which is software that is permanently programmed into a hardware device. Therefore, the correct answer is Read Only Memory.

PDAs can be used as web browsers and smart phones.

When a computer is first powered on, the first instructions it executes are stored in RAM (Random Access Memory). RAM is a type of computer memory that is volatile, meaning it loses its data when the power is turned off. It is used to store data and instructions that are actively being used by the computer's processor. ROM (Read-Only Memory) is another type of computer memory, but it contains permanent instructions that are not changed or erased. BOOT Drives Directory and None of these are not correct options for the first instructions executed by a computer.

RAM stands for Random Access Memory. This type of memory allows data to be read from and written to in any order, making it random. It is a form of computer memory that is volatile, meaning it loses its contents when the power is turned off. RAM is used by the computer to store data that is currently being used by the CPU, allowing for faster access compared to other types of memory.

Expansion cards are additional hardware components that can be added to a computer to enhance its capabilities. These cards can be used to add peripherals such as graphics cards, sound cards, or network cards, which enhance the computer's functionality. They can also be used to add communication devices like modems or wireless adapters, allowing the computer to connect to networks or other devices. Additionally, expansion cards can provide other functionalities like additional storage or specialized processing capabilities. Therefore, the correct answer is "All of the above" as expansion cards can be used to expand the computer in various ways.

Laptops are similar in operation to desktops.

A computer processes information through a series of numbers. This is because computers use binary code, which represents data and instructions using a series of 0s and 1s. These numbers are processed by the computer's hardware and software to perform various tasks and operations.

Computers that represent data as distinct or separate numbers are referred to as analog computers. Analog computers use continuous physical variables, such as voltage or current, to represent and manipulate data. This is in contrast to digital computers, which use discrete values, typically represented as binary digits (bits), to represent and process data. Analog computers are often used in scientific and engineering applications that require precise modeling and simulation of physical systems.

The correct answer is the ESC (Escape Key). The ESC key on a keyboard is used to "move around" with a program or go back and escape from an operation. It is commonly used to cancel or exit a current task or operation, such as closing a pop-up window or canceling a command. The ESC key provides a quick and convenient way to navigate and abort actions on a computer.

The motherboard is sometimes referred to as the system board or the main board. These terms are used interchangeably to describe the main circuit board in a computer system that holds and connects all the essential components such as the CPU, memory, and storage devices. Therefore, all of the above options are correct as they are different names for the same component.

CRT stands for Cathode Ray Tube, which is a type of monitor. A cathode ray tube is a vacuum tube that contains one or more electron guns and a phosphorescent screen, and is used to display images. It works by emitting a beam of electrons, which are accelerated and focused onto the screen to create an image. CRT monitors were widely used in the past, but have been largely replaced by newer technologies such as LCD and LED displays.

The minimum memory requirement for Microsoft Windows XP is 64 MB. This means that in order to run Windows XP, a computer must have at least 64 MB of RAM.

The given answer "All of the above" is correct because an operating system is responsible for managing a wide variety of computer operations, such as handling the operations of computer hardware, sharing computer resources, hosting computer applications, and providing services to users and application programs through system calls and application programming interfaces. Therefore, all of the options mentioned in the question are true statements about the responsibilities of an operating system.

PDA stands for Personal Digital Assistant. This term is used to describe a type of computer that is small and portable, designed to assist individuals with tasks such as managing contacts, calendars, and notes. The acronym accurately reflects the purpose and functionality of this device, making it the correct answer.

Hard drives are categorized as secondary storage devices because they are used to store data that is not actively being processed by the computer's CPU. Unlike primary storage devices (such as RAM) that provide temporary storage for data being actively used by the computer, hard drives offer long-term storage for files, programs, and operating systems. Tertiary storage devices, on the other hand, typically refer to specialized storage systems like tape drives or optical discs, which are used for backup and archiving purposes. Therefore, hard drives fit the description of secondary storage devices.

There are five types of cases for computers.

The correct answer is Monitor and Scanner, Monitor and Printer. Both the monitor and printer are output devices as they display or produce information for the user. The scanner is also an output device as it creates a digital image or document that can be viewed or printed. Therefore, all three options listed are correct.

The CPU processes instructions from software. Software is a set of instructions or programs that tell the computer what to do. The CPU, or Central Processing Unit, is responsible for executing these instructions and performing the necessary calculations and operations. It fetches the instructions from the software and carries out the required tasks. RAM and the motherboard are components of the computer system that support the CPU's processing, but they do not directly provide the instructions for the CPU to process. Therefore, the correct answer is software.